Every year, India celebrates Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) on October 31 to honour the unmatched contribution of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel — the Iron Man of India who unified more than 565 princely states after Independence. But Rashtriya Ekta Diwas 2025 carries deeper national significance, as it marks the 150th birth anniversary of the legendary statesman.
This year’s celebration promises to be one of the grandest ever, with a spectacular air display, cultural parades, nationwide marches, mass participation events, and large-scale youth engagement initiatives designed to reinforce the spirit of unity, integrity, and national cohesion.
Why Rashtriya Ekta Diwas 2025 Matters More Than Ever
As India steps into a new era of development, national unity remains the core foundation of the country’s democratic vision. Sardar Patel’s role in integrating the princely states ensured political stability and laid the framework for a united India. His leadership and diplomatic skills continue to inspire generations.
The 2025 edition of National Unity Day stands out for three main reasons:
- It celebrates 150 years of Sardar Patel’s inspirational journey.
- It features the largest public participation since the event’s inception in 2014.
- It aligns with nationwide programmes under Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB) aimed at cultural integration.
From military demonstrations to youth campaigns and historic padyatras, this year’s event aims to display India’s diversity and the shared emotion that binds the nation together.
PM Modi to Lead the National Celebrations at the Statue of Unity
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, to pay homage to Sardar Patel at the world’s tallest statue — the Statue of Unity. The tribute ceremony will include:
- Floral offerings at the statue
- A grand parade
- A cultural showcase celebrating India’s heritage
- A dazzling aerial display by the Indian Air Force’s Suryakiran Aerobatic Team
The Suryakiran jets are expected to paint the sky with formations resembling the Indian Tricolour, symbolising unity, strength, and pride.
A Parade That Showcases India’s Strength and Cultural Diversity
The Rashtriya Ekta Diwas 2025 parade is set to be among the most diverse and visually captivating so far. Key highlights include:
Indian Breed Dog Squad from BSF
This year features a special contingent of indigenous Indian dog breeds:
- Rampur Hounds
- Mudhol Hounds, including the award-winning lead dog Riya
Their presence underlines India’s growing focus on promoting native breeds for security and defence.
16 Marching Contingents
These include units from:
- Nine States
- One Union Territory
- Four Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF)
- NCC (National Cadet Corps)
Their synchronised march represents discipline, unity, and national pride.
Cultural Floats with the Theme “Vividhta Mein Ekta”
Colourful tableaux will depict cultural traditions from across India, symbolising “Unity in Diversity” — a central theme of the celebrations.
Women-led Guard of Honour
For the first time, a female officer will lead the Guard of Honour for the Prime Minister, marking an important milestone in India’s expanding role of women in national service.
900 Artists to Present India’s Cultural Mosaic
A special cultural programme featuring 900 artists from across the country will showcase:
- Classical dances
- Folk traditions
- Tribal arts
- Regional music
- Storytelling forms
The performances aim to highlight India’s cultural richness and the emotional integration that binds its citizens.
Sardar@150 Unity March: A Nationwide Movement
To commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Patel, the Union Government launched the Sardar@150 Unity March, spearheaded by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports through the My Bharat platform.
Launched on October 6 by Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, the initiative’s aim is:
- To inspire youth participation
- To educate citizens about Sardar Patel’s legacy
- To promote unity-centric activities across India
Activities under the Sardar@150 campaign include:
- Essay competitions
- Social media reels
- The Sardar@150 Young Leaders Programme
- A national-level Padyatra
- Cleanliness and environmental drives
- Welfare initiatives for women and youth
Unity March in Two Phases
Phase 1: October 31 – November 25 (District-Level Marches)
This phase includes:
- Foot marches in all parliamentary constituencies
- Seminars, debates, and street plays
- Discussions on Sardar Patel’s life and contributions
This phase aims to reach students, youth groups, and local communities across districts.
Phase 2: November 26 – December 6 (Karamsad to Kevadia)
A major highlight of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas 2025 is the 152-km Padyatra from:
Karamsad (Sardar Patel’s birthplace)
to
Statue of Unity, Kevadia
Events during the padyatra include:
- Sardar Upvan Initiative: Tree plantation drives
- Cleanliness campaigns along the route
- Women’s welfare programmes
- Local entrepreneurship events under “Vocal for Local”
- Yoga sessions promoting wellbeing
The padyatra aims to connect citizens emotionally with Sardar Patel’s legacy through a community-driven journey.
Run for Unity 2025: A Nation on the Move
The annual Run for Unity, scheduled for October 31, will take place in cities, towns, and villages across India. Participants include:
- School and college students
- Members of CAPF
- Differently-abled citizens
- Fitness groups
- Local residents
Prime Minister Modi has encouraged every citizen to join the run and strengthen the values of:
- National unity
- Harmony
- Collective responsibility
The marathon is expected to draw millions of participants, making it one of India’s biggest nationwide fitness events.
Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat: Strengthening Emotional Unity
The 2025 celebration aligns with the principles of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB), an initiative launched in 2015 to promote cultural exchange among states.
EBSB activities include:
Bhasha Sangam
Language-learning modules that encourage linguistic harmony.
Student Exchange Programmes
Students visit partner states to learn about local traditions.
Cultural Festivals
Major events like:
- Kashi Tamil Sangamam
- Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam
- Telugu-Kashi Sangamam
These programmes strengthen historical ties and cultural connect.
Rashtriya Ekta Diwas 2025 will emphasise these initiatives to build emotional integration among diverse communities.
Bharat Parv at Ekta Nagar: A 15-Day Cultural Festival
From November 1 to 15, Ekta Nagar will host Bharat Parv, a national festival celebrating India’s heritage.
Key attractions include:
- Traditional dance performances
- Live folk music
- Craft exhibitions
- A multi-state food festival
- Cultural interactions for tourists
The festival will conclude on November 15, coinciding with Birsa Munda Jayanti, celebrating the contributions of tribal freedom fighters.
Why Rashtriya Ekta Diwas 2025 Will Be Historic
This year’s celebration is more than a tribute — it is a national movement.
Here’s why it stands apart:
150th birth anniversary of Sardar Patel
A historic milestone honouring the architect of modern India.
Largest youth mobilisation
With lakhs participating in unity marches, competitions, and padyatras.
Massive cultural visibility
900+ artists and state-level floats showcasing India’s plural identity.
National-scale Run for Unity
A unifying fitness event inspiring millions.
Alignment with EBSB
Strengthening emotional and cultural unity across states.
Focus on women leadership
With a woman officer leading the PM’s Guard of Honour.
Conclusion: A Renewed Commitment to Unity
Rashtriya Ekta Diwas 2025 is set to become a landmark celebration, echoing Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s message of unity, national integration, and collective strength. From the Suryakiran aerobatic display to the 152-km padyatra, from cultural festivals to youth campaigns, the event reflects India’s resolve to stay united as a nation.
As millions participate in marches, runs, and cultural activities, the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat shines brighter than ever — reminding every citizen that India’s biggest strength lies in its unity.
